A Regency Macassar ebony, yew-wood and cut-brass inlaid games table circa 1825

the reverseable top with ebony and brass chequerboard inlay concealing a well inlaid for backgammon, the top with foliate inlaid border, the moulded bow shaped ends with removeable lids flanking a single frieze drawer, the panelled end supports applied with gilt-metal anthemia on volute scrolls and Mercury masks, and outswept feet united by a reel turned stretcher, on cast brass cappings and castors stamped with a crown above the letters 'B. S. & P. Patent'

With Temple Williams, Haunch of Venison Yard, Brook Street, London where acquired by Wilfrid Evill (£245), 29 April 1960 until sold Sotheby's, Wilfrid Evill Collection, 12 July 1963, lot 108 where purchased through an agent by Honor Frost.

A highly decorative table with an abundance of fine features. The brass inlay is tarnished and there are some surface wear and scratches to this inlay. The mecahnism for releasing the inlaid top is damaged. There has been a section of detached moulding to two bowed ends. Gilt-metal mounts tranished.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The brass chequerboard inlay and its foliate border are examples of what is often referred to as Boulle. The technique was perfected by Andre-Charles Boulle (1642-1732) and had been popular in France from the 17th century. French examples of this decorated furniture were bought by the Prince Regent for Carlton House and later for the Brighton Pavillion as well as being recommended by celebrated cabinet makers such as Thomas Sheraton and George Siddons and thus established a trend that was quickly taken up by other English craftsmen. See Edward T. Joy, English Furniture, 1977 for further information on English craftsmen utilising cut-brass in this French manner.

A name often associated with this style of work is Louis le Gaigneur, known for receiving royal patronage from the Prince Regent for a number of pieces of furniture including two library tables one in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle and the other in the Wallace Collection. His factory in Edgware Road specialised in Boulle revival furniture enriched with brass marquetry. See Christopher Gilbert, Pictorial Dictionary of Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, 1996 for further examples of his work. A table with similar anthemion mounts, gilded rosettes and boldly turned stretchers attributed to le Gaigneur, sold Christies London, 19 October 2000, as lot 244.

Another possible maker, who specialised in work of this nature was John McLean. From premises on Little Newport Street and then in Upper Marylebone Street he produced examples of brass inlaid work, mostly made from Rosewood, although his records show that he did use other materials. McLean is often associated with the lavish use of metalwork in cast and chased brass which was gilded and then lacquered. See Simon Redburn, John McLean and Son, The Furniture History Society, 1978, Vol XIV, p 31. A 'pouch' and combined games table made by the firm was mentioned in Thomas Sheraton's Cabinet Dictionary, 1803, observing "The design was taken by one executed by Mr. M'Lean in Mary-le-bone near Tottenham Court Road, who finishes these small articles in the neatest manner". For a comparable brass inlaid library table, attributed to McLean, that uses gilt-bronze mounts and masks, like the offered lot see Sotheby's London, 15 June 1984, lot 156.